scholarly journals Moving conferences online: lessons learned from an international virtual meeting

2021 ◽  
Vol 288 (1961) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paris V. Stefanoudis ◽  
Leann M. Biancani ◽  
Sergio Cambronero-Solano ◽  
Malcolm R. Clark ◽  
Jonathan T. Copley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Economies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Income ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
International Conference ◽  
Virtual Meeting ◽  
Person Experience

We consider the opportunities and challenges associated with organizing a conference online, using a case study of a medium-sized (approx. 400 participants) international conference held virtually in August 2020. In addition, we present quantifiable evidence of the participants' experience using the results from an online post-conference questionnaire. Although the virtual meeting was not able to replicate the in-person experience in some aspects (e.g. less engagement between participants) the overwhelming majority of respondents found the meeting an enjoyable experience and would join similar events again. Notably, there was a strong desire for future in-person meetings to have at least some online component. Online attendance by lower-income researchers was higher compared with a past, similar-themed in-person meeting held in a high-income nation, but comparable to one held in an upper-middle-income nation. This indicates that online conferences are not a panacea for diversity and inclusivity, and that holding in-person meetings in developing economies can be at least as effective. Given that it is now relatively easy to stream contents of meetings online using low-cost methods, there are clear benefits in making all presented content accessible online, as well as organizing online networking events for those unable to attend in person.

scholarly journals Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnostics Must Be Globally Accessible

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Nicholas Clute-Reinig ◽  
Suman Jayadev ◽  
Kristoffer Rhoads ◽  
Anne-Laure Le Ny
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Income ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Disease Diagnostics ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are global health crises, with most affected individuals living in low- or middle-income countries. While research into diagnostics and therapeutics remains focused exclusively on high-income populations, recent technological breakthroughs suggest that low-cost AD diagnostics may soon be possible. However, as this disease shifts onto those with the least financial and structural ability to shoulder its burden, it is incumbent on high-income countries to develop accessible AD healthcare. We argue that there is a scientific and ethical mandate to develop low-cost diagnostics that will not only benefit patients in low-and middle-income countries but the AD field as a whole.

scholarly journals A Century of Riverbank Protection and River Training in Bangladesh

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knut Oberhagemann ◽  
A. M. Aminul Haque ◽  
Angela Thompson
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Protection Technology ◽  
River Training

Protecting against riverbank erosion along the world’s largest rivers is challenging. The Bangladesh Delta, bisected by the Brahmaputra River (also called the Jamuna River), is rife with complexity. Here, an emerging middle-income country with the world’s highest population density coexists with the world’s most unpredictable and largest braided, sand-bed river. Bangladesh has struggled over decades to protect against the onslaught of a continuously widening river corridor. Many of the principles implemented successfully in other parts of the world failed in Bangladesh. To this end, Bangladesh embarked on intensive knowledge-based developments and piloted new technologies. After two decades, successful, sustainable, low-cost riverbank protection technology was developed, suitable for the challenging river conditions. It was necessary to accept that no construction is permanent in this morphologically dynamic environment. What was initially born out of fund shortages became a cost-effective, systematic and adaptive approach to riverbank protection using improved knowledge, new materials, and new techniques, in the form of geobag revetments. This article provides an overview of the challenges faced when attempting to stabilize the riverbanks of the mighty rivers of Bangladesh. An overview of the construction of the major bridge crossings as well as riverbank protection schemes is detailed. Finally, a summary of lessons learned concludes the impressive progress made.

scholarly journals Affordable stroke therapy in high-, low- and middle-income countries: From Theradrive to Rehab CARES, a compact robot gym

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205566831770873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Jillian Johnson ◽  
Roshan Rai ◽  
Sarath Barathi ◽  
Rochelle Mendonca ◽  
Karla Bustamante-Valles
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Stroke Therapy ◽  
Robot Assisted ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Improve Access

Affordable technology-assisted stroke rehabilitation approaches can improve access to rehabilitation for low-resource environments characterized by the limited availability of rehabilitation experts and poor rehabilitation infrastructure. This paper describes the evolution of an approach to the implementation of affordable, technology-assisted stroke rehabilitation which relies on low-cost mechatronic/robot devices integrated with off-the-shelf or custom games. Important lessons learned from the evolution and use of Theradrive in the USA and in Mexico are briefly described. We present how a stronger and more compact version of the Theradrive is leveraged in the development of a new low-cost, all-in-one robot gym with four exercise stations for upper and lower limb therapy called Rehab Community-based Affordable Robot Exercise System (Rehab C.A.R.E.S). Three of the exercise stations are designed to accommodate versions of the 1 DOF haptic Theradrive with different custom handles or off-the-shelf commercial motion machine. The fourth station leverages a unique configuration of Wii-boards. Overall, results from testing versions of Theradrive in USA and Mexico in a robot gym suggest that the resulting presentation of the Rehab C.A.R.E.S robot gym can be deployed as an affordable computer/robot-assisted solution for stroke rehabilitation in developed and developing countries.

Modification to the FIDIC Silver Book in a Buyers Market Context: A Case Study of the Hai Phong Power Plant II Project

2013 ◽  
Vol 357-360 ◽  
pp. 2498-2504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan Chen ◽  
Can Hui Jiang ◽  
Hong Jiang Li
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Market Competition ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Risk Allocation ◽  
International Construction ◽  
New Jobs

With more and more emerging contractors from developing economies struggling to enter the global market eagerly pursuing new jobs, both incumbent and new entrants have to confront a fierce market competition and suffer from a declining bargaining power when dealing with the owner. FIDIC contract conditions, although originally formulated to provide a relatively fair baseline in construction transaction setting are then often modified in favor of the owner in practice. This study identified and classified modifications in the turnkey contract of the Hai Phong Power Plant II project located in Hai Phong, Vietnam and assessed these modification categories in terms of frequency and risk allocation. The case study provided evidence and lessons-learned in association with contract modification and redesign regarding the widely applied FIDIC Silver Book conditions for academics, practitioners and professional associations involved in international construction business.

scholarly journals The Use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as an Element of Smart City Implementation: A Case Study of Electricity Billing Document Management at Bydgoszcz City Hall

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 5191
Author(s):  
Andrzej Sobczak ◽  
Leszek Ziora
Keyword(s):  
Smart City ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Robotic Process Automation ◽  
The City

Smart cities are an extremely important, multi-faceted subject, both in terms of their practical aspects and in terms of research. This is expressed, among other things, in the multitude of approaches to this concept. These approaches differ based on the emphasis placed on individual aspects: some focus more on technology, and others put more weight on social issues, while still others value sustainable development issues. Currently, an important topic of discussion about the development of the smart city—the importance of which has become even greater in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic—is the digital transformation of the city. The use of robotic process automation (RPA) tools can be a part of such a transformation, as such tools, using advanced software, enable the automation of those tasks carried out thus far by humans. Although such an approach has, to date, been widespread in the case of enterprises (in particular, those operating in the financial and BPO/SSC sectors, but less often in the utilities sector, the first applications of these solutions in the context of process automation for cities are also beginning to emerge in various parts of the world. This article is based on a case study approach. The implementation conditions (including the constraints) of such an approach, the benefits achieved, and the lessons learned (which can be important for other local government units) are outlined using the example of the Bydgoszcz city hall’s (Poland) electricity billing document management. The results of the case study presented here lead to the conclusion that the use of RPA tools enables, very quickly and at relatively low cost, measurable results to be achieved that are related to the processing of electricity billing documentation for the city of Bydgoszcz. This allows the assertion to be made that robotic process automation can be taken into consideration as one of the tools used to build smart cities.

scholarly journals Bottle house: utilising appreciative inquiry to develop a user acceptance model

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-583
Author(s):  
Arinola Adefila ◽  
Amal Abuzeinab ◽  
Timothy Whitehead ◽  
Muyiwa Oyinlola
Keyword(s):  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
User Acceptance ◽  
End Users ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
End User ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acceptance Model

PurposeThis paper develops a novel user-acceptance model for circular solutions to housing design. The model has been systematically developed from a case study of an upcycled plastic bottle building in a low-income community in Nigeria. It is common practice to use participatory approaches to consult end users in communities, typically after design concepts have been proposed and conceptualised. However, this often leads to critical socio-cultural or usability elements being overlooked and the design being substandard. Therefore, this paper develops a robust model for designers, specialists and activists involved in construction that can be used during all phases of a project. This approach demonstrates that user needs should be considered before building designs and plans are generated, providing a greater frame of reference for practitioners, consultants and end users. Enabling the integration of holistic needs of the community and the development of circular design solution.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology has been employed to develop this model, uses appreciative inquiry methodology. This includes multiple methods to capture end users’ perception: focus groups, interactions with the local community and self-recorded comments. This case study is part of a broader research project to develop replicable low-cost self-sufficient homes utilising local capacity using upcycled, locally available materials.FindingsThe findings identify the challenges associated with designing circular solution housing without a robust understanding of interrelated factors, which ensure sustainability and user acceptance. The conclusions demonstrate why essential socio-cultural factors, usually unrelated to technical development, should be understood and contextualised when designing sustainable solutions in low/middle-income communities. The authors argue that without this holistic approach, undesirable consequences may arise, often leading to more significant challenges. Instead of referring to multiple frameworks, this distinctive model can be used to evaluate user acceptance for low-cost housing in particular and other dimensions of circular solution design that involve end-user acceptance. The model blends circular solution dimensions with user-acceptance concerns offering a guide that considers essential features that are both user-friendly and pragmatic, such as utility, technological innovation and functionality as well as their intersectionality.Research limitations/implicationsThe research relied on a single case study, which focussed on end-user engagement of upcycling waste materials as an application of circular solutions. The model will contribute to developing socially accepted circular solutions taking into consideration local context factors.Originality/valueThe paper is proposing a model for user acceptance of circular construction materials relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Lessons learned while developing, adapting and implementing a pilot parent-mediated behavioural intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in rural Bangladesh

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine M Blake ◽  
Eric Rubenstein ◽  
Peng-Chou Tsai ◽  
Hafizur Rahman ◽  
Sarah R Rieth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Rural Bangladesh ◽  
Native Child ◽  
Behavioural Strategies

Low- and middle-income countries often have limited resources, underdeveloped health systems and scarce knowledge of autism spectrum disorder. The objectives of this preliminary study were to develop and adapt intervention materials and to train a native clinician to implement a community-based parent-mediated behavioural intervention in rural Gaibandha, Bangladesh. Intervention materials to support parents’ use of behavioural strategies were developed and refined by US behavioural intervention experts and Bangladesh field experts. Study investigators trained a native child psychologist in developmental milestones and behavioural intervention techniques. The native clinician delivered a 1-day group education session attended by 10 families of children aged 7–9 years with autism spectrum disorder, followed by two one-on-one training sessions with each family to train and practice individualized strategies for targeted challenging behaviours. Preliminary qualitative results indicate the importance of materials that are culturally appropriate and at an adequate literacy level. All families expressed strong desires to have learned the behavioural strategies when their child was younger and vocalized their need for further support and tools to help their children. This study is a preliminary step to creating sustainable and low-cost autism spectrum disorder interventions in rural Bangladesh, and possibly for families in regions with similar cultural and socioeconomic status backgrounds.

scholarly journals Is palliative care cost-effective in low-income and middle-income countries? A mixed-methods systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Anderson Reid ◽  
Olga Kovalerchik ◽  
Karen Jubanyik ◽  
Stuart Brown ◽  
Denise Hersey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
High Income ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Patient Reported

IntroductionOf the 40 million people globally in need of palliative care (PC), just 14% receive it, predominantly in high-income countries. Within fragile health systems that lack PC, incurable illness is often marked by pain and suffering, as well as burdensome costs. In high-income settings, PC decreases healthcare utilisation, thus enhancing value. Similar cost-effectiveness models are lacking in low-income and middle-income countries and with them, the impetus and funding to expand PC delivery.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of seven databases to gather evidence of the cost-effectiveness of PC in low-income and middle-income countries. We extracted and synthesised palliative outcomes and economic data from original research studies occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. This review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and includes a quality appraisal.ResultsOur search identified 10 eligible papers that included palliative and economic outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries. Four provided true cost-effectiveness analyses in comparing the costs of PC versus alternative care, with PC offering cost savings, favourable palliative outcomes and positive patient-reported and family-reported outcomes.ConclusionsDespite the small number of included studies, wide variety of study types and lack of high-quality studies, several patterns emerged: (1) low-cost PC delivery in low-income and middle-income countries is possible, (2) patient-reported outcomes are favourable and (3) PC is less costly than the alternative. This review highlights the extraordinary need for robust cost-effectiveness analysis of PC in low-income and middle-income countries in order to develop health economic models for the delivery of PC, direct resource allocation and guide healthcare policy for PC delivery in low-income and middle-income countries.

scholarly journals Troika of Trade Openness, Poverty and Income Inequality: Empirical Evidence from Lower and Middle Income Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-256
Author(s):  
Rashid Sattar ◽  
Rana Ejaz Ali Khan
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Trade Openness ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Income Groups ◽  
Cointegration Tests ◽  
Lower Income Countries

The current study investigates the relationship among trade openness, poverty and income inequality in the developing economies classified as lower and middle income countries. Kao and Fisher cointegration tests are employed to see the long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. Panel cointegration regression is employed to calculate the magnitude of variables through FMOLS and DOLS techniques. The results demonstrate that interaction of these three variables differ for income groups of countries, however, trade openness and poverty increase income inequality in both groups. Similarly, income inequality decreases trade openness in both lower income and middle income groups of the economies. Trade openness increases poverty in lower income countries only. Poverty increases income inequality in lower income countries but in middle income countries it decreases trade openness. In the control variables the financial development has shown encouraging effect on trade openness in lower and middle income countries. GDP growth has shown positive impact on income inequality in lower income countries but negative impact in middle income countries. As trade openness has discoursing effect so the economies should carefully deal with the implications through proper policy framework.

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